The DFSK IX5 arrives in Spain with generous standard equipment and an attractive price

DFSK’s arrival in Spain with its passenger car range continues to progress steadily. It is worth remembering that the brand already offers a broad range of commercial vehicles, after first introducing its model called 580 in our country. Now another SUV joins this catalogue: the IX5.

The new DFSK IX5 is an SUV aimed at younger families, with a sporty design thanks to its coupé silhouette, but it has also been fitted with the latest connectivity innovations as well as a generous safety equipment list, both active and passive. Don’t be put off by the fact that it comes from a Chinese company: DFSK manufactures many vehicles in its home country designed by major global companies, and it also holds stakes in several of them, so it knows exactly what it is doing.

The DFSK IX5 has a distinctive image thanks to its characteristic front grille positioned along the waistline, while on either side sits a Full LED light unit with specific light sequences that activate when we approach and unlock the doors. From the sides we can see more clearly that this is an SUV of generous proportions, with a length of 4,685 mm, but also an attractive look thanks to its coupé lines that begin to slope down from the B-pillar, ending in a rounded rear and prominent lines that convey a sense of solidity and which, as at the front, feature Full LED light units.

Upon entering the DFSK IX5 there is no sense of austerity; quite the opposite. As soon as we open the doors, the Napa leather upholstery welcomes us. Sitting in the front seats, which are heated and electrically adjustable for both driver and passenger, we find that in the rear, despite the coupé lines, there is comfortable space even for tall occupants, with a headroom of 870 mm and legroom of 880 mm. Directly behind, the boot offers a capacity of 379 litres, expandable to 1,420 litres when the rear seats are folded down, and accessible through the electrically operated tailgate.

But the DFSK IX5 is not all about looks, as its technological equipment is another pleasant surprise. The first thing that catches the eye is its three digital screens: one 10.5-inch screen dedicated to the instrument cluster with three display modes, and two located in the centre of the dashboard, the upper one used for the Lin OS 4.0 infotainment system with 155 smart functions, and the lower one exclusively for the climate control system, although it can also be operated from the upper screen.

That is not the only equipment on offer. We can also highlight the 3D 360º parking camera, which provides up to six different views, a wireless smartphone charging pad, ambient lighting with seven colours, and a Pioneer-branded audio system, among others. In terms of safety it is also well equipped, incorporating systems such as Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, 6 airbags, and a built-in dash cam that starts recording from the moment we begin driving.

The DFSK IX5’s mechanical package consists of a 1,500 cc turbo engine of Mitsubishi origin, delivering 150 CV and 220 Nm of torque in the Classic 110 version. Later the Classic 130 version will join the range, where the same engine raises output to 174 CV and torque to 270 Nm, and both versions can be chosen in either petrol or LPG. Power is sent to the front wheels through a ZF-sourced CVT gearbox.

DFSK has set the price of the IX5 Classic 110 for our country at 26,500 euros, available with financing through the company, along with a 4-year warranty extendable to 7 years or 100,000 km.